Planning to RV in Colorado? Don’t be surprised if pump prices are higher than in neighboring states. Potential Colorado fuel price tariffs based on Canadian imports get the blame.
Potential Colorado fuel price tariffs—only one refinery in the Rocky Mountain state
It seems the only oil refinery in Colorado is in Commerce City. The Suncor Energy plant sees its home base in Alberta, Canada. The refinery distills about 40% of the fuel sold in Colorado, and the crude oil it processes comes from several areas, including the tar sands oil fields in Alberta. Import your crude from Canada, maybe get stuck with a tariff.
But the refinery won’t be the only one stuck with higher prices. The potential tariffs will no doubt be passed on to the consumer. “Folks in Texas probably won’t see an increase due to tightened Canadian supply,” said Skyler McKinley, regional public affairs director for AAA, the travel information nonprofit. “(But) the Rockies, the Midwest and the Great Lakes region are disproportionately reliant on Canadian exports.”
If the 25% tariff is applied to crude oil, McKinley said, “I would anticipate you could see increases in prices between 10 cents and a quarter.” McKinley’s prognostications were carried by Colorado Newsline.
They’ll get worse the longer tariffs drag on
Those predictions were mirrored by GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan in a Facebook post. “Expect fuel prices will rise noticeably if oil and refined products are not exempt.” Despite the fact that Canadian oil tariffs would only be 10%, De Haan told news outlet Reuters the hit to consumers will get worse the longer the tariffs drag on.
In 2023, Canadian crude oil accounted for nearly a quarter of the total processed by U.S. oil refineries. Most of these imports are directed to states in the upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains. These provide almost all of the gasoline, diesel, and other fuel products consumed in Colorado. Canadian oil imports surged to record levels in early January. This followed reports that President Trump intended to carry out his threat of imposing a 25% tariff upon taking office.
RELATED
- How will RV fuel prices impact your travel plans in 2025?
- Gas prices climbing as oil prices surge
- Some fuel prices will go up due to new California air rules. How big will the jump be?
- Big trouble for RV industry? Tariffs could destroy jobs, cripple profits
##RVT1195b
Thank you, Russ and Tina, for this discussion. I found it highly informative. I also wonder to what extent the price increases for gasoline and diesel will heighten the pressure for additional oil and gas exploration in Alaska? Although the Trans Alaskan Pipeline System (which ends in Valdez) can transport more than 2 million barrels of oil per day, Alaskan oil production typically is less than 0.5 million barrels per day. Thus, lots of headroom for transporting Alaskan oil to Valdez, so long as there is enough tanker capacity to get it to lower-48 refineries. Guess we’ll see. Meanwhile, have a great week and safe travels!
I’m looking forward to continued dialogue on this subject. Thank you for keeping it in the ether of RVTravel.com, Russ and Tina, Chuck and Emily.
Probably should be revised to reflect the accurate 10% Tarrif proposed on ebergy instead of the 25% that you indicated, which is for other Canadian exports.
I do not not think it is a binary choice between lower gas prices or open boarders and we simply pick one or the other. A lot goes into this. Just like Columbia caved in last week in 1 hour, and Mexico caved in this week in 2 hours, perhaps Canada reassess the consequences of a trade war as well. We can all be good neighbors in our hemisphere.
This is what half the country voted for.
Correction, over half….and yes it is….. common sense negotiating. Getting back to 1.4% inflation which may cause some short term pain. I guess it’s easier to get 9% inflation…. want more of that?
Not to nitpick, but a plurality, not a majority, at 49.8% of the popular vote.
I stand corrected. Not quite half but still millions more than the other “not quite half”. 😃
Yup. By the time it goes to print, or went to print, it’s already resolved and over. The left just needs a narrative and can’t actually get there teeth into one that has merit or legs. Threats of tarrifs are simply an opening salvo in the negotiation…. and it’s working. I’m exhausted from all this winning… over and over, winning and winning.
Amen brother
Exhausted and loving it.
It’s pretty frustrating with all the reporting here on something that hasn’t happened yet. What’s next RV accidents that might happen?
Hi, Larry. When that post was written and published, it was scheduled to happen. Then things changed and the post was changed accordingly, rather than unpublishing it. We’ll see what happens in a few weeks. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
As a Canadian Snowbird currently in Apache Junction, Az. I have followed this ongoing tariff threat too much!
While there is a 30 day pause for potential tariff’s, there is much to be concerned about on both sides of the border.
As good neighbours, we won’t stop oil and electricity exports to the US as some in Canada have lobbied for.
There will be no winners as Canada will retaliate 100%, as we must.
If the tariffs are levied, Canada will be put into a devastating recession, with pandemic type job losses.
And the US? An economic blip, but a big hit to her reputation as a friend and neighbour.
As an FYI, we have already cancelled our four month stay next winter in Palm Springs.
Indeed Leonard, this would be extremely painful for Canada. Most of my family in Sask., Alberta and 2 strays in Toronto all agree. IMHO, a pragmatist like Poillievre would be better suited to negotiate on your side versus the Beta Boy Trudeau. Danielle Smith is also very suited out of Alberta to ensure trade continuity.
No one wants tarrifs, both sides want good neighbors. Help out with the terror watch list at the border and shut down Canada’s exportation of Fentanyl.
When America does better, Canada does better. Always been that way, jump on the T-Train and don’t cancel your 4 months next year.
✌️ 🇨🇦 brother.
Well Trudeau has resigned as Prime Minister so it looks like Mike Carney will be the PM until the federal election. Pierre Poilievre will likely be the next PM, who will renegotiate the USMCA trade pact in 2026 that Trump signed in 2018 with Canada and Mexico.
Trump at the signing and I quote, “The USMCA is the fairest, most balanced, and beneficial trade agreement we have ever signed into law. It’s the best agreement we’ve ever made.”
As a final note, no one wants Fentanyl in their country. The US reported that 42 lbs. was seized at the Canadian Border in 2024 and 21,100 lbs. at the Mexican border. We are not the problem you are led to believe.
Thank-you!